Meet the site
The PS Maitland gave her name to Maitland Bay and to one of the worst storms in NSW history. Built in 1870 by McCulloch and Co at Port Glasgow, she was an iron-hulled paddle steamer, 69 m long and 880 tons, with a two-cylinder engine, four boilers and two funnels. On 6 May 1898, sailing from Sydney to Newcastle, she was caught in a southerly gale so severe it is still called the Maitland Storm. Trying to turn back for shelter in Broken Bay, she drifted towards land, struck the reef at what is now Maitland Bay and broke in two. Between 21 and 26 people died, according to Michael McFadyen, with 37 surviving; COAST Magazine records 62 aboard and about 29 deaths, including the dramatic rescue of baby Daisy Hammond, whose ashes were later scattered over the wreck. The main remains, including the boilers, lie on the rock platform in the intertidal zone, with bow and stern sections on the rocks. McFadyen and the Marine Life Network are both clear that there is very little to see in the water - one experienced diver found nothing of note underwater - so this is not a conventional scuba site. The value is historical and scenic: the rusting boilers on the platform, framed by the cliffs of Bouddi National Park, are one of the most evocative shipwreck sites on the NSW coast. Maitland Bay itself is within the fully protected Bouddi National Park Marine Extension, and on calm days its clear water is rated among the best snorkelling on the Central Coast. Snorkellers see fish, squid and rays over sand and rocky edges at both ends of the bay. Visit it as a low-tide heritage walk combined with a snorkel. The steep track means it suits fit walkers, and there are artefacts at the Henry Kendall Cottage museum and a bell replica at the Maitland Bay Information Centre.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
PS Maitland wreck (Maitland Bay) is recorded as Wreck in Central Coast. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is PS Maitland wreck (Maitland Bay) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book PS Maitland wreck (Maitland Bay) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Luderick, bream, silver sweep, mado, squid, rays, dolphins (occasionally in the bay), rock platform invertebrates
Location
Remains of an iron paddle steamer wrecked in the 1898 'Maitland Storm', lying mostly on the intertidal rock platform at the eastern end of Maitland Bay, Bouddi National Park.
Facilities nearby
Car park and Maitland Bay Information Centre (seasonal) on The Scenic Road; no facilities at the beach; nearest shops at Killcare/Hardys Bay; air fills at Terrigal.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infomarinelife.org.aucoastmagazine.com.aunationalparks.nsw.gov.aubiglapbible.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.